International Directorship Extended

New Zealand and Otago Southland will continue to capitalise on the international connections of Film Otago Southland Executive Manager Kevin (KJ) Jennings, who has been re-elected to the prestigious Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Board of Directors for a second term.

The association is the official professional and educational organisation for regional and national film offices around the world. Film Otago Southland (FOS) represents the film industry for the southern half of the South Island, covering Queenstown Lakes, Southland, Central Otago, Dunedin, Waitaki and Clutha Districts.

“The success of the AFCI thrives on hands-on involvement of members to set the direction of our organization, provide superior leadership, and exemplify the excellence in service that the AFCI brand signifies,” said George David, President of AFCI Board of Directors. “We are proud of the diversity of our Board - with representatives from eight countries on five continents - and look forward to continuing our focus on providing unique education, events and services to each member film commission.”

While the core role of a Director is to serve the organization, Mr Jennings said that being on the board had allowed him to keep his finger on the pulse of what was happening with other film offices around the world. “It helps to see what is and isn’t working elsewhere and apply it to how I approach issues and opportunities here.”

Through his role, Mr Jennings has also gained access to international directors and producers, promoting New Zealand’s potential for films and advertisements, these connections are valuable to the entire film industry.

During a recent board meeting in Korea, he met top US Producer Michael Ulsan – best known for the “Batman” film franchise, and also the Vice Chairman of the New Jersey Film Commission. While addressing the members of the AFCI, he stressed the important role that regional film offices played in the process of making a film.  “It was great to meet someone who at such a high level who could really relate to what we do on the ground, he was very encouraging,” Mr Jennings said.

One initiative Mr Jennings is currently pursuing with the AFCI is to establish a global taskforce on access to sensitive locations for film crews. “Many offices from around the world have similar challenges,” he said.” Whether it be a National Park, an inner city neighbourhood or a sacred temple, access to these sensitive locations is a key to the success of the industry. For us, if we can’t shoot there, it doesn’t exist.”

The Southern part of New Zealand is well known for offering a diverse range of stunning locations, and Mr Jennings spends much of his time developing relationships that will enable film crews to have access to areas which might otherwise be off-limits. He hopes a collective approach from interested AFCI members will create more leverage for film offices when they engage back in their respective regions. “People sometimes ask if that means we are helping our competition? It’s not about that, it’s about us using our collective knowledge to raise the profile of the industry, expand access, and ultimately deliver a better service to our clients. A healthy film industry is good for everyone.”

Film Otago Southland board Chairman Dave Comer agrees. “KJ’s work has resulted in solid progress for the industry in New Zealand,” he said. “it is great to see him sharing his experience and gathering further knowledge from offshore. Being re-elected is a testament to his standing and the regard his peers have for him”.

Another area Mr Jennings hopes to progress during his second term is helping film and tourism offices to better measure and leverage film tourism within their regions.  Mr Jennings said New Zealand was seen as a world leader in the way Tourism New Zealand is capitalizing on the success of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. “It’s an opportunity for the ultimate win-win situation.”

The Acting Chief Executive of the NZ Film Commission, Mladen Ivancic, said it was a real asset for the New Zealand screen industry to have one of its own serving on this association.  “KJ is capable, committed and passionate about promoting the great work that is done here and I want to personally congratulate him on his reappointment.”

ENDS

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